Getman getting out in May

The man who planned a Columbine-style attack at his Elmira high school in 2001 has been granted early release from state prison and will be out May 23.

John Zick

The man who planned a Columbine-style attack at his Elmira high school in 2001 has been granted early release from state prison and will be out May 23.

Jeremy Getman, 25, has served nearly 6.5 years in state prison on counts of first- and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree criminal use of firearms.

He was sentenced to 8.5 years in December 2001, 10 months after he brought two loaded guns and 18 homemade bombs to Southside High School on Valentine’s Day.

“He has served six-sevenths of the full term imposed by the sentencing court, which allows him to be released in accordance with the law,” said Linda Foglia, a spokesperson for the state Department of Corrections.

The decision to release Getman early was handed down Wednesday by a DOC review board, Foglia said. He was eligible for early release because of his good behavior while incarcerated.

Once released, Getman will spend up to five years under the supervision of the state Division of Parole.

Carole Weaver, a parole spokesperson, said she did not yet know specific conditions Getman will be required to follow.

“It’s a case-by-case determination,” Weaver said. “It’s up to the parole officer . Once he appears at the parole office, he’ll get his conditions.”

Foglia said some conditions could include housing restrictions and treatment programs.

Getman was arrested shortly after arriving at school Feb. 14, 2001, by school resource Officer Bob Hurley, who was tipped off about Getman’s plans by other students. The arrest thwarted the attack and no one was injured.

“It was very much a surprise to everyone ... that something like this would happen in a little place like Elmira,” Chemung County Assistant District Attorney John Thweatt said last month. “Just being here at the time, it was pretty big news.”

After Getman’s arrest - which came less than two years after an attack killed 13 people at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. - Southside was evacuated and bomb teams were called to the scene. Students were taken to Elmira Free Academy.

Getman told authorities he brought the weapons to school because he was being bullied.

The Elmira City School District has declined to comment on Getman’s release. His parents have an unlisted phone number.